By Local shop ‘The Vegetable Plot’ announces shock closure due to new Aldi store taking away support
As the cost of living climbs further, many businesses and even charities, have felt the squeeze of increased difficulty, whether it is against the competition, or just staying open with mounting energy costs.
In an unfortunate development, ‘The Vegetable Plot’ in Scartho, Grimsby, has announced its closure due to energy costs and the opening of the new Aldi store, on Scartho Top.
The store provides locally sourced, high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade coleslaw, and a selection of hand-made Chilli Jams and Onion Marmalades.
“The Vegetable Plot in Scartho will be closing on SAT 30th of JULY. Due to the energy and cost of living crisis and the opening of the Aldi store, we no longer have local support. Everything in the shop will be sold so if you are interested come and see what is there.” Owner Meg Earl said in a post on social media.
“Sadly if you don’t use a facility then you lose it, we have tried all sorts but you can’t force people to come. Someone suggested we should have posted something but I don’t feel blackmailing people is the way forward, we have loved our time here and thought that if we kept our prices within everyone’s reach and maintained top-quality products then we would get the support of the whole village.
“I understand times are tricky and most folks have a lot less surplus cash so as our outgoings are only going to increase and our incoming have gone through the floor, the only sensible thing to do is to retire gracefully,” she said.
We asked owner Meg Earl whether the opening of Aldi on Scartho Top made continuing to trade untenable, she said: “Yes that’s exactly what it is, cheaper prices and close to many many residents.
“Gone are the days in covid when people were told they couldn’t go out so they all wanted to be out walking, now they can do what they want they choose not to walk but to drive to the easiest option.”
(Images:Meg Earl/The Vegetable Plot)
